The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Homes vs. Cars: Which Stimulation Package is Working?
The Center for Public Integrity runs the numbers, and finds that Americans are cashing in on "Cash for Clunkers" at a rate of $77 million a day, vs. $39 million for the first-time homebuyer credit.
A Whale of a Savings
Clark Williams-Derry has been searching the horizon for the Moby Dick of smart growth statistics, and he's found it in a new study out of UC Irvine.
Urban Policy's Organic Emergence
The White House Office of Urban Affairs is officially in action, but the creation of urban policy seems to have started on its own, according to this column form Neal Peirce.
Turf Troubles
When mandatory water conservation rules took effect in Glendale, California, homeowner David Wood installed artificial turf to maintain the green front yard emblematic of the American Dream. But his new fake lawn is against the law.
Circuit City's Out, Grocery Stores are In
Retail Traffic Magazine reports that grocery stores are increasingly moving into the spaces vacated by big box and chain retailers.
Walking Up Housing Values, and Making Smarter Cities
Walkability improves home values, according to a new report. <em>Smart City</em> talks with economist Joe Cortright about the study, and with IBM about its new "Smarter Cities" technology report.
Solar Thermal Power Tower Debuts in U.S.
This week, eSolar debuted the first solar thermal power tower in the U.S., which they say is a step forward in technology and affordability.
BLOG POST
Strange Turn of Events Impedes the Adoption of Miami 21
<p> Hundreds of activists, students, politicians, lawyers, developers, architects and planners swarmed Miami's City Hall on Thursday for the City Commission's first reading of <a href="/www.miami21.org">Miami 21</a>. By some estimates, nearly 80% of the the 100-plus testimonials were spoken in favor of Miami 21, with Miami Mayor Manny Diaz kicking off the event with an 11-minute pro-Miami 21 paean. It was certainly one of the most eloquent, if not most passionate speech I have heard him deliver during his tenure. Strangely, Commissioner Angel Gonzalez was missing from the dais for what might have been the most important vote of the year. Apparently, the two week notice was delivered in time for him to reschedule surgery.
BLOG POST
Navigating by Intuition
<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">As a lifelong urbanite, I’ve always felt comfortable learning cities “by Braille.” I put on my walking shoes and wander, making mental maps as I go. I experience serendipity, yet can generally intuit where things are likely to be – the CBD, the government center, nightlife.</p><p class="MsoNormal">This summer our family spent time in Berlin, Venice, Florence, and Paris. Of the four, Paris was the only one I’d been to before. By the time we got there, it was like greeting an old friend.</p>
High Foreclosure Rates Could Lead to More Defaults in Las Vegas
Willingness to default on home loans has been found to increase in ZIP codes with high foreclosure rates, leaving foreclosure-heavy Las Vegas in danger.
Life with a High-Speed Rail System
Spaniards are quickly adapting to life with a high-speed rail network. Air travel between Barecelona and Madrid is down 46% because of it.
Watching Trash
Tracking tags have been implanted in garbage in New York and Seattle to monitor where garbage goes and how municipal waste management systems can improve.
New Portland Bridge Seeks to Ease Pedestrian and Cyclist Tensions
A new light rail bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland will include separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists -- and no lanes for automobiles. But biker and pedestrian congestion remains a concern.
Outdated Zoning Stymies Development
Stamford, Connecticut's Downtown Special Services District knew that their zoning was causing needless delays and roadblocks to development. They hired the Regional Plan Association to do something about it.
Friday Funny: Imposter Transit Official Arrested by FBI
A 20-year old Chicago man has been arrested by federal agents for imitating transit officials and repeatedly interfering with Chicago Transit Authority communications.
Calcutta Removes Old Cars to Clean Air
In order to clean the air in Calcutta, officials have begun enforcing a rule that removes all vehicles manufactured before 1993, mandated by the city's High Court.
Learning Water Conservation on the Golf Course
As water resources dwindle, golf course managers are becoming go-to experts on conservation.
Form-Based Code Voted Down in Miami
In a surprising turn of opinion, Miami commissioners voted against the city's long-planned form-based code, Miami 21.
The Problem of 'Family' Zoning
In 1975, the City of Oneonta, NY, established a law limiting the number of unrelated people allowed to live under one roof. Ruled unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court, the city is working on redefining the so-called 'family zoning.'
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
